Hypnotherapy vs Counselling

When you're considering therapy, the sheer number of available approaches can be confusing. Counselling, CBT, psychotherapy, hypnotherapy — they all claim to help, but how do they actually differ? And more importantly, which one is right for you?

As a hypnotherapist, I have an obvious perspective here, so I'll try to be as balanced as possible. The truth is that different approaches suit different people and different problems, and no single therapy is best for everyone.

Person-Centred Counselling

Traditional counselling (often called person-centred or Rogerian counselling) provides a safe, non-judgemental space to talk about your feelings and experiences. The counsellor listens, reflects and helps you explore your thoughts, but generally doesn't give advice or direct the conversation toward specific goals.

Strengths: Excellent for processing complex emotions, grief, relationship difficulties and life transitions. The therapeutic relationship itself is healing.

Limitations: Can be a slower process. May be less effective for specific behavioural issues (phobias, habits) that benefit from more directive techniques. Often open-ended, without a clear treatment timeline.

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)

CBT is probably the most widely researched form of therapy. It focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns (cognitions) and behaviours. It's structured, goal-oriented and typically time-limited (often 6-20 sessions).

Strengths: Strong evidence base, particularly for anxiety and depression. Practical techniques you can apply immediately. Available on the NHS.

Limitations: Works primarily at the conscious level. Some people find the homework-heavy approach difficult to sustain. Less effective when subconscious patterns are the primary driver.

Hypnotherapy

Clinical hypnotherapy uses the hypnotic state to facilitate change at both conscious and subconscious levels. My approach, cognitive behavioural hypnotherapy, integrates CBT principles with hypnosis.

Strengths: Works at the subconscious level where many problems are maintained. Often faster than talk therapies (fewer sessions). Particularly effective for phobias, habits, anxiety and psychosomatic conditions. Teaches self-help skills (self-hypnosis) that last beyond treatment.

Limitations: Not available on the NHS (cost falls to the client). Requires a willing participant. Less suitable for severe mental health conditions that need specialist psychiatric input.

How They Compare: A Practical Guide

For Anxiety

All three approaches can help with anxiety. CBT has the strongest evidence base. Hypnotherapy often produces faster results because it addresses both the conscious thought patterns and the subconscious threat response simultaneously. Counselling can help you understand the roots of your anxiety but may not provide specific techniques for managing it in the moment.

For Phobias

Hypnotherapy tends to be fastest and most effective for specific phobias. The desensitisation process works well within hypnosis. CBT also offers effective phobia treatment (exposure therapy), but many clients find the hypnotic approach less uncomfortable.

For Habits (Smoking, Overeating)

Hypnotherapy is particularly well-suited to habit change because habits operate at a subconscious level. Weight management responds well to the combination of conscious restructuring and subconscious suggestion. CBT can also help, but the subconscious reinforcement through hypnosis often makes changes more enduring.

For Depression

CBT and counselling both have strong evidence for depression. Hypnotherapy can be helpful as a complementary approach, particularly for the anxiety and sleep problems that often accompany depression. For moderate to severe depression, a GP referral and potentially medication should be the first step.

For Grief and Loss

Counselling is often the most appropriate choice for grief, as the primary need is for a safe space to process complex emotions. Hypnotherapy can be helpful later in the process for specific issues that arise from grief, such as insomnia or anxiety.

They're Not Mutually Exclusive

It's worth noting that these approaches can work alongside each other. Some clients see a counsellor for ongoing emotional support while using hypnotherapy for specific issues like phobias or sleep problems. Others start with hypnotherapy for a specific condition and later pursue counselling for broader personal development.

I'm always happy to work alongside other therapists or healthcare providers. What matters is that you get the help that works for you.

How to Choose

Consider the nature of your problem. If it's specific and behavioural (a phobia, a habit, a particular anxiety), hypnotherapy often provides the fastest route to change. If it's broader, more emotional or existential (grief, identity questions, relationship patterns), counselling or psychotherapy might be the better starting point.

Consider your preference too. Some people want a structured, goal-oriented approach. Others prefer open-ended exploration. Neither is wrong — they just suit different people.

If you're not sure, a free telephone consultation is a good starting point. I'm always honest about whether I think hypnotherapy is the right fit, and I'm happy to suggest alternatives if it isn't.